Decks: The Ultimate Guide To Materials, Options, And Approaches

Types of Decks: Comprehensive Guide on Styles and Materials for Your Perfect Home Deck If you’re building a deck, dock or seawall anywhere near water, come talk to us. Whether you’re a homeowner, contractor, marina, or golf course, you can trust that we have the most knowledge, the best products, and the highest level of service in the southeast. Pressure-treated (PT) wood is lumber that has been chemically treated to resist rot, decay, and insect damage. This treatment process involves placing the wood in a pressure chamber and infusing it with a preservative solution that penetrates deep into the wood fibers. The result is a material that can withstand exposure to moisture and harsh outdoor conditions much longer than untreated wood, thanks to various pressure treatments available. Compared to 1.5-inch decks, these composite metal floor decks can handle thicker concrete slabs. Decks are often made of wood, but they can also be constructed using other materials such as composite decking, vinyl, or even concrete. A major perk of this type of deck is that it adds dimension and visual appeal. They can be custom-designed to include a range of sizes and shapes. Multi-level decks are usually more expensive to construct than single-tier decks due to extra materials and labor.

Cellular PVC Decking

If you have a flat roof on the front or back of your home or your garage, a rooftop deck can create a standout outdoor living area, especially if you have limited yard space. Since it's an elevated deck, it provides privacy, unique vantage point, and often, an amazing view. Often built at the front of a home, an entryway deck extends your outdoor living space toward the street. If you don't have a front porch, an entryway deck can connect you with your neighbors or a beautiful front view.

Fastening Composite Decking: Deck Screws vs Wood Screws

For those who want more greenery on their decks, living walls are becoming increasingly popular. These innovative planters allow you to grow herbs, flowers, and even vegetables vertically using hydroponic systems. Like the curtains that adorn our homes, outdoor curtains add a touch of elegance and privacy to your deck. These curtains can be hung from rods or cables attached to your home’s exterior or surrounding trees. They come in various colors and patterns, allowing you to customize them based on your preferences. While many homeowners may be tempted to save money by taking a do-it-yourself approach, it’s important to consider all the factors before making this choice.

Hurricane Ties: Uses and Installation

Using Learn more improperly treated lumber is bad for the wood, the environment, and your wallet. Compared to traditional concrete slabs, slabs made with steel decking are lighter and have high structural strength. This can be beneficial for multi-story buildings as they significantly reduce the construction’s weight. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about metal decking, including where it’s used and the various types available. Maintaining your deck through regular cleaning, sealing, and inspections is key to its longevity and continued safety.

Since it's an elevated deck, it provides privacy, unique vantage point, and often, an amazing view.More expensive western red cedar was available from western Canada (British Columbia) but by then, pressure-treated pine had become available.Whether it’s used to host the social event of the season, to have a family meal, or just to relax and watch the sunrise or sunset, a deck is a valuable part of many houses.You may not even be able to tell the difference when looking at completed decks.Fortunately, there are several waterproofing solutions available that can help protect your deck from water damage.

That means you don’t have to worry about sanding or staining, which makes vinyl decking almost maintenance-free. Lumber grades tell you the number of knots, imperfections, and the straightness of the wood grain. At Decks & Docks, we only sell the higher grades of lumber, which means fewer knots, consistent boards, and longer life. At Decks & Docks, our top choice for many projects is pressure-treated Southern Yellow Pine. These are built on top of your home and can give you a panoramic view of your property. This style isn’t great for a home built in a neighborhood or one with local building code restrictions. This guide will explain the different types of decks and why you would choose one type over another for your deck project. If you have any unused side area or don’t want to add a deck to the back of your home, a side deck might be the answer.